Corporate Leaders in Malaysia

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Robert Kuok Hock Nien

Born on 6 October 1923 in Johor Bahru and educated at the prestigious Raffles Institution in Singapore, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Kuok made his money in sugar, palm oil, shipping and property. Also known as the “Sugar King”, his Kuok Group boasts of a huge network of companies under three main holding companies in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. He also controls South China Morning Post, once the world’s most profitable daily newspaper. His biggest source of wealth is his stake in Wilmar, the world’s largest listed palm oil company. According to Forbes magazine in March 2011, Tan Sri Kuok’s assets are worth an incredible USD12.5 billion, making him the richest man in Malaysia.

Ananda Krishnan

Ananda Krishnan began building his multimedia empire in the early 1990s and today he owns two major telecommunication companies – Maxis Communications and Astro All Asia Network - apart from having three communication satellites circumnavigating the earth. He also owns stakes in public listed Tanjong Public Limited Company, an investment holding company with subsidiaries in power generation, gaming, leisure and property. Krishnan has a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard University and is worth USD9.5 billion (Forbes magazine, March 2011), making him the second richest man in Malaysia. Now a major philanthropist, Krishnan focuses on developing Malaysia’s talent pool by funding scholarships and school programs.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Yeoh Tiong Lay

He is the founder of YTL Corporation, Malaysia’s biggest and most successful conglomerate with businesses in construction, utilities, hotels, property development and technology. It is one of the largest companies listed on Bursa Malaysia with a combined market capitalization of about RM33.5 billion (as at 31 July 2011). YTL Corporation became the first Asian non-Japanese company to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 1996. In January 2008, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Yeoh was conferred the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by the Emperor of Japan for his efforts in promoting bilateral relations between Malaysia and Japan.

Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun

Born in 1952 in Batu Pahat, Johor, Tan Sri Vincent Tan is the Chairman of Berjaya Corporation Berhad. He is a businessman and entrepreneur with a suite of interests in property development and investment, gaming, stockbroking, manufacturing, trading, hospitality, internet-related businesses, utilities, media, telecommunications, insurance and education. According to Forbes 2010 Billionaire List, Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s assets are worth USD1.2 billion. In February this year, he pledged to donate half of his wealth to charity, starting with RM20 million this year. This came about because of his decision to join “The Giving Pledge” that was initiated by Bill & Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow

Founder of Public Bank, Tan Sri Teh is currently the Chairman of the Public Bank Group, apart from holding leadership positions in various organizations in Malaysia and Singapore. He began his banking career in 1950 as a bank clerk in Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd. In 1960 he joined Malayan Banking Berhad as Manager and was promoted to General Manager at a relatively young age of 34. Tan Sri Teh then left Malayan Banking in 1966 to set up Public Bank. He has since then been the driving force behind the bank’s evolution into a modern and integrated financial powerhouse.

Tan Sri Datuk Hj Mustapha Kamal

Currently the Executive Chairman of MK Land Holdings Berhad, Tan Sri Datuk Mustapha is also co-founder of MK Land Group of Companies. The Group is noted for developing the Damansara Perdana township in Selangor. Tan Sri Mustapha graduated from University of Malaya and started his career in 1970 as an Assistant District Officer and later rose to become the Deputy Commissioner of Lands & Mines for the Selangor State Government. It was his move to Shah Alam Properties Sdn Bhd as Managing Director that provided him with the opportunity to harness necessary skills and knowledge in property development. In 1983, Tan Sri Mustapha formed the EMKAY Group of Companies.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah

An accountant by training, Tan Sri Jeffrey is the Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group. The Group is one of the most widely diversified conglomerates in Malaysia with core businesses in education, healthcare, civil engineering and construction, property development and investment, and many more. It is known for its flagship development, the Sunway Integrated Resort City in Petaling Jaya. Tan Sri Jeffrey is passionately involved in governmental and non-governmental organizations. His passion to improve the lives of bright Malaysian students was inspired by English clergyman John Harvard who donated his entire library of books and half his wealth to an educational institution which is known today as the prestigious Harvard University.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim

Tan Sri Azman Hashim is a well-known corporate figure in Malaysia. He is the Chairman of the AmBank Group, a position he has held since 1982. His professional experience began in Perth, Australia in the 1950s when he was employed by Messrs O.L. Haines & Co (Chartered Accountants). He then joined Bank Negara Malaysia and by 1964 he left to start his own accountancy practice. Then he joined Malayan Banking Berhad as its Executive Director. In 1980 he was appointed Chairman of Kwong Yik Bank Berhad and went on to become Chairman of the AmBank Group in 1982 till to date. Tan Sri Azman has a passion for golf and water sports like powerboats and scuba diving. He is blessed with two sons, three daughters and ten grandchildren.

Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liew Kee Sin

Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liew Kee Sin is the President and Chief Executive Officer of SP Setia Berhad, a public listed property developer. Under the leadership of Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liew, the Group’s profit after tax rose by 163% and its dividend payout ratio grew 100%, all within a short span of five years between 2001 and 2006. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liew began his career with a local merchant bank in 1981 after graduating from University of Malaya with an Honours Degree in Economics. After five years in the banking industry, he decided to venture into property development and developed his first project called Bukit Indah in Ampang, Selangor.

Handbook of Life.....

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar..
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time for meditation and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

1. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
6. Dream more while you are awake.
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more.
14. You don't have to win e very argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

1. Call your family often.
2. Each day give something good to others.
3. Forgive everyone for everything.
4. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. What other people think of you is none of your business.

Life:

1. Do the right thing!
2. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
3. Time heals everything.Give time, time.
4. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
5. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
6. The best is yet to come.
7. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
8. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Change Your Thinking

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking..

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.


One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall..

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .'

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Signs

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychological disorder which causes individuals to have thoughts and fears in their minds, in the form of obsessions. These excessive thoughts and fears are mitigated by compulsions, prompting individuals to excessively do things in a certain way.

Excessive Confessions:
This is caused by a fear of doing something wrong. I never knew this was a sign and so I put it as #1 to see if readers would agree.

Excessive Sexual Thoughts:
We all have sexual thoughts, but those with OCD have excessive thoughts which intrude into daily activities. This is a type of obsession and many people would use a compulsion listed below to mitigate it.

Washing hands repeatedly:
This is a form of compulsion. This is usually done to stop obsessions and images of contamination from popping into their minds.

Checking things too much:
People who are obsessive-compulsive have a tendency to check things too much. This again is used to mitigate obsessive thoughts. In this situation, people may be afraid and obsessed about intrusions, so they repeatedly check if they locked all the doors.

Arranging:
This is an example of an obsession. Those with OCD have an obsession with symmetry and numbers. If someone misplaces their belongings or place it the wrong way, people with OCD get easily frustrated.

Excessive doubts:
Those who suffer from OCD may experience excessive doubts. They lack confidence and will need to use compulsions in order to make sure that everything is done properly. An example of this is the excessive calling of loved ones to see if they are okay.

Counting:
This is a form of compulsion. Many people with OCD use counting to help them mitigate obsessions. They are self-conscious and feel they need to stop. They, however, cannot and that becomes a problem.

Praying excessively:
Believe it or not people who are obsessive-compulsive have a fear of religion (obsession). They would excessively pray (compulsion) in order to mitigate their thoughts.

Refuse to touch others:
There are those who are germaphobes, but this is different. This is quite different than what Seinfeld made it out to be in one of their episodes. It is not voluntary and is not always triggered by someone’s actions.

Collecting:
Individuals with OCD may also not throw things away. They would keep things for long periods of time, with or without sentimentality.

Health Food Myth

HEALTHY FOOD MYTH

Over the years, a number of myths have been formed about healthy food which when revealed, are quite shocking.

Eating too much fruit will lead to blood sugar problems
If you are eating healthy food, you must be eating some fruits too. Many people believe that since these fruits contain natural sugars, they will instantly have blood sugar problems. They feel that if they eat too much fruit, they will get a sugar rush that will subside soon, leaving them empty. This is not true. Fact is that if your blood sugar is high, it has nothing to do with the fruit.

Fruit can lead to Candida
Many people believe that if they eat too many mangoes, bananas or apple, they will get Candida. They self-diagnose themselves and panic to no extent. Fact is that this is not true and if they do not believe it, they should visit a doctor.

Carrots will improve your eyesight
Many people who have thick glasses and those who find it difficult to even recognize themselves in the mirror without their contacts start nibbling on carrots day in and day out with the hope that it will improve their eyesight. However, while carrots are definitely good for you as they are healthy, they will not change your eyesight. Therefore, keep those glasses on and stop overdosing on the carrots.

Eating too many bananas will lead to an overdose of potassium
While too much of supplemental potassium will definitely cause problems, natural potassium is completely safe. Even though bananas contain about 1,200 mg of this element, you do not need to worry.

Fruit can lead to the development of cancerous cells in the body
This myth is completely untrue. In fact, the more fruit you eat, the more you will keep cancer at bay. Therefore, those patients who have cancer should munch on a whole of fruits through the day instead of avoiding it. People believe that since cancer cells expand after feeding on sugar, fruits are dangerous. However, this is simply not true.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are not as nutritious as fresh ones
Many people believe that the fruits they purchase from the grocery store are much safer than those that are canned. However, this is not true because who knows how long these fruits and vegetables have been sitting around? Even though fresh fruits may taste better than frozen ones, there is absolutely no difference in their nutrition value.

When choosing between butter and margarine, always go the latter
People try to avoid butter because they feel that by consuming it, they may increase the risks of cholesterol problems. However, what they don’t realize is that margarine is as bad, if not worse because it has double the effect as it contains harmful trans fats.

Bananas are fattening
Just because this fruit is sweet, people believe that it is fattening as well. However, one medium-sized banana contains only 105 calories. They are good for your health because they contain healthy doses of fiber, potassium and magnesium which together make the immune system stronger and more powerful.

If you cook vegetables, you take away their vitamin content
This is definitely not true as cooking the vegetables will actually help your body absorb the vegetable nutrients. However, if you over boil them, the vegetables will eliminate themselves.

Whole grain bread is better than the rest
While this can be true, always be sure to go through the fiber content mentioned behind the packaging to be completely sure.